Method of analyzing air quality

ABSTRACT

A method for identifying particulates in the air, including drawing a predetermined volume of air into a housing defining an airway, flowing the predetermined volume of air over a first adhesive capture member positioned in the airway to yield a first test sample, generating a first optical image of the first test sample with a camera, storing the first optical image in a memory, analyzing the first optical image with the microprocessor to identify captured particulates, automatically counting the identified particulates, storing the first adhesive capture member to preserve the first test sample, and positioning a second adhesive capture member in the airway.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/997,819, filed on Oct. 20, 2015, whichclaims the benefit of, and priority to, then co-pending U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/068,643, titled AIR QUALITY ANALYZINGAPPARATUS AND METHOD OF ANALYZING AIR QUALITY, filed on Oct. 25, 2014,now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present novel technology relates generally to environmentalengineering and, more particularly, to an apparatus for sampling andanalyzing air quality and a method of collecting and remotely analyzingair quality, including identifying and quantifying particulates.

BACKGROUND

Much of the Earth's population spends a great deal of time indoors.Modern buildings tend to be far less drafty and are better sealed thantheir older counterparts, and have sealed air systems providing bettercontrol air environments. Similarly, people now spend time in increasingamounts of time in cars, airplanes, ships, underwater chambers, andother spaces with recirculated air. Due to the prevalence of allergies,the increased amount of time that people spend indoors, and an overallincrease in awareness of air quality issues, people are more rigorouslyevaluating the quality of the air and airborne pollutants in enclosedand even open spaces. Indoor air quality is receiving increasedattention and evaluation, and many consumers desire evaluation of theair in their environment.

Thus, there is a need for an efficient and inexpensive system and methodof providing air quality analysis and, in particular, a system ofcapturing particulates within air and evaluating the nature and quantitytherein. There is also a need for devices to obtain aliquots of air andrapidly capture and convey information about the nature and quantity ofparticulates therein. The present novel technology addresses theseneeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the presentnovel technology and, together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of the novel technology. The drawings are only for thepurpose of illustrating embodiments of the novel technology and are notto be construed as limiting the novel technology.

FIG. 1A depicts a top view of an air sampling and quality analysisapparatus according to a first embodiment of the novel technology.

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of an air sampling and qualityanalysis apparatus according a first embodiment of the novel technology.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross section view of an air sampling device accordingto a first embodiment of the novel technology.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an air sampling device according toa first embodiment of the novel technology with the top cover removedfor clarity in showing the internal components of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart of a method of air sampling and analysisaccording to one embodiment of the novel technology, which may utilizethe first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart of subroutine MB within the method of airsampling and analysis as provided in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A depicts a cross section top view of an air sampling device andquality analysis apparatus according to a second embodiment of the noveltechnology, with the top cover removed for clarity in showing theinternal components of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of an air sampling device and qualityanalysis apparatus according to a second embodiment of the noveltechnology, with the top cover removed for clarity in showing theinternal components of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart of another method of air sampling andanalysis according to another embodiment of the novel technology, whichmay utilize the device as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart of subroutine B within the method of airsampling and analysis as provided in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A depicts a cross section front view of an air sampling device andquality analysis apparatus according to a third embodiment of the noveltechnology with the top cover removed for clarity in showing theinternal components of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of an air sampling device and qualityanalysis apparatus according to a third embodiment of the noveltechnology with the top cover removed for clarity in showing theinternal components of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross section top view of an embodiment of an airsampling and quality analysis apparatus.

FIG. 11 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of airsampling and analysis of the novel technology.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross section front view of an air sampling andquality analysis apparatus according to one embodiment of the noveltechnology.

FIG. 13 depicts a flow chart of another method of air sampling andanalysis according to another embodiment of the novel technology, whichmay utilize the device as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart of subroutine D within the method of airsampling and analysis as provided in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 depicts an electrical block diagram of an embodiment of an airsampling and quality analysis apparatus according to one embodiment ofthe novel technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thenovel technology and presenting its currently understood best mode ofoperation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of thenovel technology is thereby intended, with such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device and such further applications ofthe principles of the novel technology as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe novel technology relates.

Embodiments of the novel technology relate to a device, system, ormethod for the analysis of air and/or particulate matter in air. Thedevice may be stationary or portable, and may operate on battery or linepower. The system may be placed in virtually any location, including butnot limited to a home, hospital, office, vessel, passenger car, vehicle,aircraft, or other enclosed or open spaces. Data and/or images from oneor more air samples may be collected by an embodiment of the deviceaccording to the novel technology and, in some embodiments, the dataand/or images may be transmitted by the device to a remote locationusing any convenient communication method known in the art, includingbut not limited to wireless or wired networks, or by physical removal ofair samples as described herein, whereupon said samples may be conveyedto a remote site for evaluation and/or analysis by any convenienttransport.

FIGS. 1-15 illustrate the present novel technology, a system 20 foranalyzing the particulate quality of ambient air. The system 20typically includes a housing or enclosure 25 defining an interior volumeor flow chamber 30, an air inlet port 35 and an air outlet port 40typically positioned on opposite sides of the housing 25 and defining anair flow pathway 45 therebetween, an air flow actuator device 50 (suchas an air pump, fan, or the like) energizable to generate flowing airthrough the inlet 35, along the air flow pathway 45 through the interiorvolume 30, and out the exit port 40. A particulate collection device 55is positioned within the interior volume 30 and in the air flow pathway45. The particulate collection device 55 typically includes an adhesivesurface or sticky side 60 that is typically positioned in the air flowpathway 45 facing the inlet port 35, such that when the pump 50 isenergized, air flows onto and over the sticky side 60.

An optical sensor 65, such as a camera, imaging device, or the like, ispositioned to optically interrogate the sticky side 60. Typically, thecamera 65 has a field of view or focal plane 70 that intersects theparticulate collection device 55 and/or the sticky side 60 such that thesticky side 60 may be sharply imaged. The imaging may be passive, suchas a digital image generated by a digital camera 65, or active, such asby manipulation of a light beam from an optical sensor system 65 havinga laser, LED or like source 75 positioned to shine a beam onto and/orthrough the sticky side 60 to bereflected/refracted/scattered/transmitted to appropriately positionedlight sensors 80. The optical sensor 65 is connected in electriccommunication with an electronic controller 85, and image/sensor data istransmitted to the electronic controller 85 for analysis and storage.The electronic controller 85 is typically connected in electriccommunication with a remote memory 90.

According to some embodiments of the novel technology include apparatathat comprise an exterior housing 20 and an air pump 50, such as a fan,to draw air into the housing apparatus. Air flows into an inlet openingin the apparatus 20 as a result of lower pressure caused by the air pump50. Alternately, a fan 50 could be placed at the inlet opening to pushair through the device 20 as a result of higher pressure. The air to besampled enters into one or more ducts or chambers 30 that may containlaminar flow vanes to help define the air flow path 45 or, in otherembodiments, the air can generally flow through open space 30 in theinterior of the apparatus 20 and then onto and past a particulate impactdevice 55. The particulate impact device 55 may be comprised of a(typically adhesive) collection member 95, such as a membrane, film,tape, slide, filter or the like to which particulate matter may adhereto be collected. Air exits past the air pump 50 and discharges theapparatus through an exhaust port 40, which in some embodiments may havea cover 100. Likewise, the air inlet port 35 may have a port cover 105.

In embodiments where the particulate impact device 55 is a flat slide ormembrane, the particulate impact device 55 may be held in place by oneor more slide holders 115 for holding a slide frame 110 supporting and,typically, centering, a strip or portion of film or membrane 95. Such aslide holder 115 may be a separate component, or an integrated piece ofthe casing or other component.

The exterior housing 25 may have an optional dust brow 195 and/or anoptional air inlet movable cover 105. A power actuation switch 120 istypically provided on the exterior of the apparatus in any positionpracticable, and is connected between the power source 135 and the airflow actuator 50 and/or optical system 65 and/or controller 85.Similarly, an optional display 125 may be present on the exterior of thehousing 25 and connected in electric communication with the controller85. The display 125 may provide control messages to the system 20, mayprovide device messages and warnings, and/or may provide direct feedbackto the consumer to indicate a level of concern regarding indoorenvironment, such as high humidity, high temperature, high particulatecounts, high mold counts, or even after analysis the level ofparticulate pollutants and/or device status. The exterior housing 25 mayoptionally include a port 130 for an external power supply. The exteriorhousing 25 may also optionally include one or more hatches 140 withcovers 145 to allow for access to the internal device, such as forreplacement of particulate impact devices 55, membranes or filters 95,and like components.

In some embodiments of the present novel technology, the apparatus 20also includes an image capture device 65. This image capture device maybe located anywhere within or without the apparatus housing 25 such thatan image of particles on the particulate impact device 55 may beappropriately captured. Thus, the image capture device 65 may be locatedon the same side of the particulate impact device 55 as the actualparticles, captured, or may be between the particulate impact device 55and the air pump 50, so as to view and digitally record and/or transmitimages of the particulate matter captured on the other side 60 of theparticulate impact device 55 and in line with the direction of flow ofair, or may also be positioned at other angles within or even outsidethe housing 25. The image capture device 65 does not have to be directedat the sticky side 60 currently in the air flowpath 45, but may insteadinterrogate images on membranes or films 95 that have been advanced andare no longer in the line of air flow 45 in the device 20. The imagecapture device 65 may comprise a camera capturing still photographs orimages or a video camera for real-time imagery. The optical sensor 65may also include an integrated microscope or zoom lens assembly 150and/or imaging capturing methods and/or specialized software to enhanceand/or magnify the view of the particulate impact device and particles.The particles may be viewed and illuminated by light sources 75 whichmay shine from the front, side and/or back of the particulate capturedevice 55. Control of the focus of the camera 65, microscope 150, orother components of the image capture device 65 may be facilitated bythe electronic controller 85, or via remotely controlled movement of thecamera and/or microscope 65, 150, or other mechanical positioning guides155. Within the airstream 45 of the air being sampled may be located oneor more sensors 65, 80, 185 to monitor or measure air flow velocity,rate, or other properties.

In this embodiment of the novel technology, microscopic images ofparticulate matter captured on the membrane/tape/slide/filter areproduced. The images can be stored within the device and/or transmittedand stored via communication systems, computer systems, WIFI, or theinternet to a remote location for analysis by a person or specializedsoftware systems. The types and quantities of fungal mold spores thatare present can be identified as well as the types and quantities ofother particulate matter that may be present.

In another embodiment of the device, additional sensors may be connectedto, or placed on or within the device to detect, record, store, andtransmit additional data such as air temperature, humidity, relativehumidity, and due point data at the time of the sample and/or duringperiods of time prior to or following the time sampling is conducted.With this feature, a record over time of such data can be obtained andanalyzed.

In an embodiment of the novel technology, air enters the device 20through and air inlet port 35 in the exterior housing 25. The air inletport 35 is equipped with an optional movable air inlet cover 105. Fromthe air inlet port 35 air enters the enclosed air flow chamber 30. Aninlet cover actuator 160 may be used to control quantity of air to enterthe chamber, and the cover actuator 160 may in turn be operationallyconnected to and controlled by the electronic controller 85. The flow ofair may likewise be controlled the electronic controller 85 adjustingthe air pump 50. An air aliquot passes through the enclosed air flowchamber 30 and makes contact with the exposed portion of the particulateimpact device 55, which in this embodiment is shown as a membrane tapecassette 165. Particulates in the air contact and adhere to the membrane95 supported by the membrane tape cassette 165. The membrane tapecassette 165 is held in place by a membrane cassette receptacle 175.Within the receptacle 175, a support table 170 may be present to keepthe exposed portion 60 of the membrane 95 in place, and this supporttable 170 may be adjusted either manually (via screws or otheradjustment methods) or via electronic adjustment/actuation instructionsprovided by the electronic controller 85.

The image capture device 65 is typically an imaging camera with a lightsource 75. Guides 155 support and secure the imaging camera 65. Thefocus and positioning of the imaging camera 65 may be controlled by theelectronic controller 85. An additional light source 75 providesoptional backlighting for effective capture of an image of the particleson the membrane. After making contact with the exposed portion 60 of themembrane 95, wherein particles in the air impact and captured by themembrane 95, the air exits the embodiment device via the exhaust 40,which in FIG. 12 includes a movable exhaust air cover 105, which may bea rotating cover, valve, or the like, but can take the form of anyone-way valve. The light source 75, central processing and controlmodule 85, actuators 160, image capture device 65, and other systemsthat require power are powered by a power supply system 135, which mayinclude a battery or other electrical sources.

An advantage of the membrane tape cassette 165 as a particulate impactdevice 55 is that a series of air samples may be captured and physicallyspooled and stored, such that images may be generated as the samples aretaken or later, as desired, over a period of time, allowing multiplesamples for review and analysis.

Another advantage of the novel technology is the ability of the device20 to be programmable so it may automatically cycle on and off accordingto a pre-determined schedule, environmental changes as detected bysensor inputs, or manual inputs. The automatic and programmable controlfunction allows more effective air sampling because the device 20 can berun for many short cycles over extended periods of time thus yieldingmore representative data, analysis, findings, results, and conclusionsin comparison to a single sample that may be significantly affected byanomalous events such as a homeowner using their fireplace, a personpainting a room inside the house, or having carpets cleaned inside aresidence.

Another advantage of some device embodiments of the novel technology isthat it brings together, in one apparatus, the sampling/collection ofair samples with the analysis of the same sample. The device 20 mayfacilitate both the collection and analysis functions. The device 20 canbe installed in one location over an extended period of time formultiple samplings, or the device 20 may be delivered to a location fora use in a short period of time. At the sample location a user may ownor lease the device 20, or a user may request a service person todeliver, operate, and remove the device.

The rate and quantity of air flow used to gather an air sample may bevaried to facilitate predetermined or desired air sample volumes, aswell as to confirm proper function of the device 20. In someembodiments, the device 20 may further include a self-calibratingfeature to ensure proper air flow during its operation. The air flow istypically between one liter/minute and fifty liters/minute, moretypically about fifteen liters/minute, although other rates may beselected. Cycle time or duration of air flow for an individual test istypically between one minute and thirty minutes, more typically aboutten minutes, although shorter or longer cycle times may be selected. Itis envisioned that in some applications, cycle time may be on the orderof days, weeks, or even longer. For typical cycle time/flow ratecombinations, the typical volume of air urged through the inner volume25 will be about one hundred and fifty liters.

In some embodiments of the device 20, at least one sensor 185 may belocated in the air stream to provide electronic feedback to theelectronic controller 85 and/or a remote computer or control module 190which in turn regulates the operation of the air pump/fan. The sensor185 may be a hot wire type, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, apressure sensor, an anemometer, or other types of sensors andcombinations thereof that would provide data useful for analysis. It isenvisioned that temperature and humidity data will be collected for eachtest cycle, and that such data will be archived to provide a history.

In some embodiments of the novel technology, the air pump 50 in the airsampling device 20 may be adjusted to control the flow of airtherethrough, either locally via manual adjustment, locally viaelectronic controller 85 adjustment, or via remote inputs. In theembodiments comprising manual local control of air flow volume per unitof time, the control of air flow may be achieved by a variablepotentiometer in series with a power supply 135 for the air pump 50. Thepotentiometer may be located on a surface of the enclosure 25, or mayprotrude through a surface of the enclosure 25, such that is able to beadjusted without opening the enclosure 25. In the embodiments whichcomprise remote control of air flow volume per unit of time, computerexecutable instructions may be received from a remote user throughwireless transceiver 220 where they are communicated to controller 85for execution, whereby the execution of these instructions causes theair pump 50 to increase or decrease its output, resulting in an increaseor decrease of air flow volume per unit of time (see, for example, FIG.15). In this manner, the air flow volume per unit of time of the sampledair may be adjusted either locally or manually in order to meet airtesting requirements.

In some embodiments of the novel technology, the inner workings of airsampling system 20 may be designed to facilitate keeping the system 20clean and free of foreign material or build-up of dust or other suchmaterial in the interior of the apparatus. Embodiments of the noveltechnology, may feature air-tight and/or dust-resistant sealed enclosure25 with automatically or manually moveable covers 100, 105, such as theprotective cover 105 for air inlet 35 and exhaust cover 100 for the exitport 40, shown on FIG. 12 at the air inlet and discharge points. Whenthe device 20 is not operating to take air samples, the covers 100, 105are normally closed, sealing the inlet and exhaust openings 35, 40. Whenthe device 20 is operating to take air samples, the covers 100, 105 areautomatically opened immediately before the air pump/fan 50 is operated,and the covers 100, 105 are then closed after completion of thesampling. All openings 100, 105 in the device housing 25 are typicallysealed dust-tight.

Optimally, the ability for dust or dirt to settle onto or near the airinlet opening 35 is minimized by positioning of a dust brow 195, such asthat shown in FIG. 1. The dust brow 195 projects from the surface of thedevice 20 and extends outwardly therefrom to create a ledge or shelfabove the air inlet 35 and upon which dust or dirt can settle topreclude the material from settling on, in, or near the air inlet 35.The dust brow 195 prevents or minimizes entry of contaminants into thedevice 20 when the air inlet 35 is opened for testing or the like. Inother embodiments in which the air inlet is not vertical, differentmethods for controlling build-up of dust or dirt near the air inletopening 35 may be employed.

In some embodiments of the novel technology, the particulate impactdevice 55 may include a removable and replaceable membrane cartridge175. The membrane cartridge 175 typically includes first and secondspools 200, 205 that support a continuous ribbon of a tape or film 95,typically having an adhesive side 60 that is faced into the air stream45 during air sampling. Typically, such film 95 is adhesive andtransparent. As the membrane 95 is unwound from the first spool 205, thesecond spool 200 winds up and collects the used membrane ribbon 95, suchas in a traditional audio or VHS cassette tape. In embodiments of thenovel technology, the cassette 175 is advanced briefly then stopped foreach sampling cycle. This allows a fresh section of membrane ribbon 95to advance into the sampling zone 45. Use of the membrane cassette 165allows a new and “clean” section of the membrane 95 to be advanced intothe air stream 45 each time a new request for sampling is made. Spoolingof the membrane 95 controlled by a motor or actuator that advances themembrane ribbon 95 in a controlled manner via an on-board computer 85,control module, or remote input. The membrane cassette 165 may also beadvanced manually.

In some embodiments of the novel technology, the membrane cassette 165is replaced with different means or methods to place or change themembrane/tape, or with different types of capture devices such as sporetraps, individual slides, disposable cassettes or slides, that can beeither manually or automatically placed when a sample is needed.

At a remote location, review, analysis, storage, or processing of dataand/or images transmitted by or stored in the device can be conducted ineither real time or after a period of time. Analyses of such may beconducted by either a person and/or a computer system, either which mayalso control the device. In particular, optical analysis of the testmembrane or film 95 will include a counting of the number of particlesof a specific and predetermined type, such as mold spores, captured by apredetermined area of test strip 60. For example, optical searching maybe done to identify mold spores in general, or to specifically identifywhich of over 100,000 varieties of mold spore are present and to providea relative count for each type identified. An advantage of manyembodiments of the novel technology is that neither air samples norparticles (analytes) collected from air samples need to be physicallytransported from a sampling site to a remote location for analysis.However, other embodiments of the novel technology, provide for methodsthat include sampling within the apparatus with shipment ortransportation of the entire apparatus, or portions thereof, offsite foranalysis. Preferred embodiments of the device can eliminate the need fora service person to visit a sampling site to gather samples or conductanalysis. Following use of the device, findings, information,measurements, data, reports, determinations, conclusions and relatedinformation about the air sample can be communicated, in ways notedabove, from the remote location back to the sample location or otherlocations, or to any person or computerized system.

In some embodiments, device 20 may feature one or more types of imagingdevices 65, detection devices, probes, sensors, and analyzers 80, 150,185 attached to or placed upon or within the housing 25. The device 20interrogates the sample and gathers data and/or images which may then bytransmitted (manually, by mail, phone, computer systems, internet,wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, data chips, radio frequencies, or viaother methods) to a remote location. At the remote location, redundantand/or further analysis of the data/images can be conducted by technicalpersonnel, automated systems, recognition software, and/or otheranalytical methods.

The device 20 may have many different embodiments with differingarrangements of sensors 185 and instruments capable of determining manytypes of data or characteristics about a material sample that may be asolid, liquid, or gas. The device 20 can be thought of as a miniaturelaboratory brought to or placed at a location. The device 20 is able toconduct many various analyses of solids, liquids, and gases depending onthe type of instruments connected to, placed upon or held within thedevice. The device 20 may be operated manually or automatically viacomputerized modules, software, systems, signals, or links with remotelocations. The device 20 conducts analysis of samples, gathers data, andfacilitates analysis of data to provide information and support themaking of determinations, confirmations, or conclusion about a givensample, its constituents, or analytes that may be present.

The types of information that can be gathered using the device 20 arenot limited to temperature, humidity, relative humidity, dew point,particle sizing, particle counts, spore counts, spore concentrations,spore type, and analysis of other particulate matter found in airsamples such as asbestos fibers, hairs, allergens, insect parts, rusts,and/or molds. Other uses of the device 20 are not limited to singlemolecules or atoms, but may also comprise complex aggregates, such as avirus, bacterium, salmonella, streptococcus, Legionella, E. coli,Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Rickettsia, spore, mold, yeast, algae,amoebae, dinoflagellate, unicellular organism, pathogen or cell.Virtually any chemical or biological compound, molecule or aggregatecould be a target analyte.

The device 20 may have embodiments that are suitable for analysis ofhuman or mammalian health not limited to body temperature, weight,height, blood pressure, breath analysis, urine analysis, blood analyses,skin analysis, bacteria, presence of infectious or viral agents, as wellas function or condition of eyesight, vision, hearing, and smell. Insuch embodiments, the need for a person to visit to a health clinic,hospital, or office is eliminated as is the need for a health careprofessional to visit an individual's location.

The novel technology has device embodiments that are suitable forindustrial or commercial applications not limited to manufacturing orprocessing facilities for: food, farming, agricultural, mining,chemicals, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, biological products, schools,commercial operations, retail stores, manufacturing facilities,industrial sites, restaurants, lodging establishments, transportationvessels, ports, and other spaces.

Advantages of device embodiments of the novel technology are that itprovides an all in one device to both sample and analyze a solid,liquid, or gas. Some embodiments of the novel technology provide data orimage transmission to a remote location by various communication orcomputerized systems.

Utilizing the method and system embodiments of the novel technology thatinclude remote control of the device 20 can eliminate the need for aservice person to visit sampling site for various purposes. In someembodiments of the novel technology, a consumer may purchase, rent, orborrow a device 20 for remote capture, and set it up in the space whereair is to be analyzed. The entire control of the data capture andanalysis may be done remotely using the computerized control features ofthe capture device 20 in many embodiments of the novel technology.

Though heretofore the novel technology has been described with respectto air sampling, embodiments of the novel technology may be used forother applications as well. For consumers who have an embodiment device,it may be used, for example, to provide a download port for other data,or for sampling of a wide variety of solids, liquids and gases andproviding raw data to a remote location for analysis. Additional portsvia which data may be downloaded to the controller or directlytransmitted to a remote location may optionally be included in someembodiments, such as the port 215.

Embodiments of the device 20 may be further modified as a need arises.Additional or different sensors or devices 150, 185 may be installedbased on sampling needs, such as mold, pollens, air particulate, bloodwork, or analysis of water.

In certain embodiments, the novel technology may incorporate otherfeatures such as a smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, temperature andhumidity sensors, a digital microscope, particle counter, and/orvolatile organic compound (VOC) meter.

Multiple embodiment devices may be installed in a home or office andfeature networking controls/interface, either separately or unified.Embodiment devices may be made compatible with pre-existing softwarearchitectures and/or communication protocols.

Embodiments of the novel technology may include security methods forWI-FI use and also for internet access control, such as encryption,password protection, and other known security features (WI-FI is aregistered trademark, registration number 2525795, of the WirelessEthernet Compatibility Alliance, Inc., 3925 W. Braker Lane, AustinTex.). Embodiments of the novel technology may also include the abilityto remotely or locally control the device by manual or automaticmethods.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a block diagram of an embodiment of the noveltechnology is depicted. The apparatus of the novel technology maycomprise a controller 85, which may be any electrical or electronicdevice capable of executing computer executable instructions, forexample a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable or discretelogic elements, programmable array logic (PAL) circuits, programmablefusible link circuitry, dedicated custom processors, or any otherelectrical or electronic components capable of executing computerexecutable instructions. Controller 85 may be in electric communicationwith non-transitory computer readable medium 210 which may comprisecomputer executable instructions which may be read and executed bycontroller 85. Computer readable medium 210 may be, for example, asemiconductor memory, and may comprise any number of semiconductordevices. Controller 85 may be in communication with an externalcommunication port 215 which may be any serial or parallel port forcommunicating data known in the art, but which may be, for example, aUniversal Serial Bus (USB), mirco-USB, Mini-USB, RS-232, RS-485 or anyother data port, including a custom data port. External communicationport 215 may also be in direct communication with non-transitorycomputer readable medium 210. External communication port 215 may beutilized to communicate computer executable instructions to controller85, to load and store computer executable instructions intonon-transitory computer readable medium 210, to read information fromnon-transitory computer readable medium 210 or to otherwise communicatewith controller 85 to read system status or to provide control or statusmonitoring functions using an external computing device.

Still referring to FIG. 15, controller 85 may be in communication withwireless transceiver 220, which may in turn be in communication withantenna 225. Wireless transceiver 220 may be any communicationstransceiver known in the art such as optical infrared transceiver, fiberoptic transceiver or radio frequency (RF) transceiver, and maycommunicate with external devices by any wireless method, medium orprotocol. For example, wireless transceiver 220 may comprise atransceiver operating under the Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard known as Wi-Fi; or, alternatively, mayoperate under the wireless standard known as BLUETOOTH (BLUETOOTH is aregistered trademark, registration number 2909356, of Bluetooth Sig,Inc., Suite 350, 5209 Lake Washington Blvd., Kirkland, Wash. 98033); ormay operate at any RF frequency and under any data communicationprotocol such as 900 MHz, Z-WAVE (Z-WAVE is a registered trademark,registration number 2745803, of Sigma Designs, Inc., 1778 McCarthyBlvd., Milpitas, Calif. 95035), or any other RF frequency and under anyprotocol, whether standard or custom, analog or digital.

Still referring to FIG. 15, controller 85 may be in communication withair pump drive circuit 230, which in turn may be in communication withair pump 50 which may be any device that is electrically controllableand is able to move an air volume, such as, for example, a fan. Air pumpdrive circuit 230 may be any circuit that converts a digital outputcontaining air pump drive signals from controller 230 to analog signalssuitable for controlling air pump 50. In an embodiment, air pump drivecircuit 230 may comprise a digital to analog converter and analogamplifier. In this manner, controller 85 may execute computer executableinstructions stored in non-transitory computer readable medium 210 forthe purposes of controlling air pump 50 to be in an on state, and offstate, and in an embodiment may also control a parameter of air pump 50directed to controlling airflow volume, such as, for example, fan speed.Likewise, controller 85 may be in communication with drive spool 200 forthe purposes of controlling drive spool 200 and therefore to control themovement of particulate impact device 55. In this manner, microprocessoror controller 85 may execute computer executable instructions stored innon-transitory computer readable medium 210 for the purposes ofcontrolling the movement of particulate impact medium 55 by controllingdrive spool 200 to rotate, sees rotating, and in an embodiment, controlthe speed of rotation of drive spool 200. Thus controller 85 controlsthe movement of air and the movement of particulate impact device 55 soas to have complete control over the collection of air samples.

Controller 85 may be in communication with light source 75, which may befor example an LED light source, and condensing light source or anyother light source. Controller 85 may be in communication with lightsource 75 through light source drive circuit 235. In an embodiment,light source drive circuit 235 may comprise a digital to analogconverter and analog amplifier. In this manner, controller 85 mayexecute computer executable instructions stored in non-transitorycomputer readable medium 210 for the purposes of light source 75 to bein an on state or an off state. For example, it may be desirable thatlight source 75 is in an on state to illuminate particulate impactdevice 55 so that particulate matter collected during the taking of anair sample may be readily visible to camera 65. Camera 65 may beelectrical communication with controller 85 such that controller 85 isable to control camera parameters such as on or off, focus, aperture,zoom and other camera parameters. Controller 85 may also be incommunication with positioner 240 and is operable to command positioner240 to be translated so that camera 65 can be brought closer toparticulate impact device 55, moved further away from particulate impactdevice 55, or translated laterally with respect to particulate impactdevice 55 for purposes of achieving an optimum viewing position ofcamera 65 relative to particulate impact device 55.

Controller 85 may be connected in communication with display interface125. Controller 85 may execute computer executable instructions storedin non-transitory computer readable memory 210 causing the display ofstatus information on display 125 as desired by the user.

The electrical and electronic elements of the novel technology may be incommunication with power supply 135. Power supply 135 may be incommunication with an electrical port designated 130 in FIG. 15 andwould may be connected to an external source of supply which may be a DCsupply or an AC supply, such as common 115 V AC house current. Powersupply 135 may also have an output for connection to the electrical andelectronic components of the novel technology, thereby providing powerto them. Power supply 135 may also comprise a primary and/or backupbattery and backup battery control circuit which operate to providepower to the electrical and electronic components of the system in theevent that the external source of power is not present at electricalport 130, or in the event that and external power supply connected atelectrical port 130 fails. In this manner, the novel technology is ableto operate through power failures or when not connected to an extrasource of supply.

While the novel technology has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood thatthe embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoingspecification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablementrequirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the artcould readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes andmodifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would beimpractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in thepresent specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changesand modifications that come within the spirit of the novel technologyare desired to be protected.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present novel technology overcomes the shortcomings of the prior artin that it provides an inexpensive system or method of providing airquality analysis and, in particular, a system of capturing particulateswithin air and evaluating the nature and quantity therein. The systemand method of the novel technology is adapted such that embodiments mayoperate to sample air and to provide either local or remote evaluationof the air quality samples taken by a system of the novel technology.

The present novel technology includes an apparatus and system for thecollection of samples and analysis of air and particulate matter in air.The apparatus may be stationary or portable, and may be placed in avariety of locations for a long period of time. The novel technologyincludes methods of remotely analyzing air quality. The novel technologyfurther includes a method of sampling and analyzing aliquots of air.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for air monitoring and analysiscomprising: a. providing an air quality analysis system, said airquality analysis system further comprising: i. a housing having an inletand an outlet and defining an airflow pathway therebetween; ii. an airflow actuator positioned within the housing for urging air flow from theinlet through the air flow pathway and out the outlet; iii. aparticulate collection device positioned in the air flow pathway; iv. animage capture device positioned to optically interrogate the particulatecollection device; v. a transceiver for receiving images from the imagecapture device and for transmitting said images to a remote location;and vi. a controller operationally connected to the image capture deviceand in communication with a non-transitory computer readable medium;vii. wherein the image capture device is a camera; wherein the imagecapture device is controllable for translation of an image focus plane;b. automatically drawing air into inlet; c. flowing air over theparticulate capture device to yield a test sample; d. automaticallyoptically interrogating the test sample to generate test data; and e.automatically transmitting test data to a remote location.
 2. The methodfor air monitoring and analysis of claim 1, wherein the particulatecapture device is a membrane having an adhesive surface, wherein theadhesive surface is positioned to face the inlet.
 3. The method for airmonitoring and analysis of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: f.analyzing the test data at the remote location; and g. producing an airquality analysis report; wherein analyzing test data definesautomatically identifying and counting captured particles.
 4. The methodfor air monitoring and analysis of claim 3 further comprising the stepof h. transmitting the analysis report to a user.
 5. The method of claim1 wherein step d comprises shining a laser onto the test sample.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 and further comprising: i. measuring the temperatureand humidity of the air to generate environmental information; and j.transmitting the environmental information to the remote location.
 7. Amethod for monitoring airborne particulates, comprising: a) flowing apredetermined volume of air into a housing and over a first length ofparticulate capture member disposed therein to yield a first testsample; b) by image capture device, generating first optical images ofthe first test sample; c) transmitting the first optical images to amicroprocessor memory; d) analyzing the first optical images with themicroprocessor to identify captured particulates; e) analyzing the firstoptical images to quantify identified particulates; f) generating analert message upon detection of predetermined quantities ofpredetermined identified particulates; and g) preserving the first testsample; wherein a controller, is coupled the microprocessor memory,operationally connected to the image capture device and in communicationwith a non-transitory computer readable medium; wherein the imagecapture device is a camera; and wherein the image capture device iscontrollable for translation of an image focus plane.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, and further comprising: h) concurrently with a) and before d),measuring air temperature and humidity in the housing to yieldenvironmental data; i) transmitting the environmental data to themicroprocessor memory; j) analyzing the optical images and environmentaldata to yield environment-specific particulate data.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, and further comprising: k) after g), flowing a predeterminedvolume of air into a housing and over a second length of particulatecapture member disposed therein to yield a second test sample; l) byimage capture device, generating second optical images of the secondtest sample; m) transmitting the second optical images to amicroprocessor memory; and n) preserving the second sample.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, and further comprising: o) after k), generating newimages of the first test sample.
 11. The method of claim 7 and furthercomprising: p) querying an independent sensor; q) receiving data fromthe independent sensor; r) transmitting data from the independent sensorto the microprocessor memory; s) analyzing the optical images and datafrom the independent sensor to yield specific particulate data.
 12. Amethod for identifying particulates in the air, comprising: a) drawing apredetermined volume of air into a housing defining an airway; b)flowing the predetermined volume of air over a first adhesive capturemember positioned in the airway to yield a first test sample; c)generating a first optical image of the first test sample with a camera;d) storing the first optical image in a microprocessor memory; e)analyzing the first optical image with the microprocessor to identifycaptured particulates; f) automatically counting the identifiedparticulates; g) storing the first adhesive capture member to preservethe first test sample; and h) positioning a second adhesive capturemember in the airway; wherein a controller, is coupled themicroprocessor memory, operationally connected to the image capturedevice and in communication with a non-transitory computer readablemedium; wherein the image capture device is a camera; and wherein theimage capture device is controllable for translation of an image focusplane.